From Richard Akintade, Osogbo
Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has announced the relaxation of the 17 hours curfew imposed by the state government in Ilobu-Ifon-Erin Osun communities in Irepodun and Ifon-Orolu Local Government Areas to 12 hours.
The governor said the decision followed the gradual return of peace to the three warring communities.
Accordingly, the governor directed that the curfew should, beginning from today, Tuesday, April 8, commence from 6pm to 6am on a daily basis until further notice.
A statement issued Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Alimi quoted Governor Adeleke as saying; “Now that peace is gaining the centre stage on a daily basis, it gladdens my heart to announce the relaxation of the curfew earlier imposed on Ifon-Ilobu- Erin Osun communities from 17 hours to 12 hours daily with effect from today.
“As the governor, I am again reaffirming my commitment to do everything morally and officially possible at my executive disposal to bring the communal fracas in the three communities to an amicable end.
“So far, I am equally happy to say that the traditional rulers of the three communities and their subjects have been living up to the desired expectations in ensuring gradual return to peace. This is good and heart warming. I urge them to keep the tempo high in this regard
“In the same vein, the new trend in the timeframe of the curfew, will also allow our children who want to write WAEC, NECO and JAMB examinations to be able to do so without any form of hindrance, as we cannot allow their future to be mortgaged.
“However, I am still directing that the joint security team comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps should continue to maintain their usual 24-hour surveillance to ensure zero tolerance on any act of lawlessness.
“This is not without reiterating the need for all stakeholders to cooperate by embracing peace in the three communities, as anybody/group/community caught or found fomenting or aiding the crisis in one way or the other will be made to face the music in line with the dictates of the law.
“I am seizing this opportunity to, once again, remind and direct the 100-member crisis resolution committee on Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun communal mayhem set up by this administration in the wake of the crisis few months ago to expedite their assignment, so as to find a lasting solution to the problem. My administration and the entire people of Osun State will not settle for less from your committee in giving us a leeway towards ensuring a lasting resolution to the age long communal dispute.
“I urge all sons and daughters of the three communities at home and in the diaspora to cooperate with me and my administration to bring this crisis to an end once and for all.
“It is only in an atmosphere of peace and unity that the much sought after growth and development can be achieved in the three communities of Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun, as well as the entire state,” Governor Adeleke noted.
